AT&T to Buy Regional Carrier In Iowa

AT&T and Long Lines recently announced that AT&T has agreed to acquire the regional operator for an undisclosed sum. Long Lines operates wireless and wireline networks in Iowa. AT&T will acquire the spectrum, assets, and customers of Long Lines' wireless business. It has also agreed to lease fiber-based backhaul transport from Long Lines, but AT&T will not be purchasing the wireline business itself. Long Lines owns spectrum licenses in the 700MHz, AWS, and PCS bands across Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and North and South Dakota. The companies expect the transaction to close by the end of the year. Earlier this month, AT&T announced plans to purchase Cricket Wireless, as it continues to seek ways to increase its spectrum holding.